Definition

Noun: 1. The natural light of the day; the period when the sun is above the horizon and provides light. This is the most common meaning, referring to the illumination from the sun, as opposed to artificial light or darkness. 2. The time of day between sunrise and sunset; daytime. This refers to the specific period, not just the light itself. 3. (Figurative) Public knowledge or openness. Used to describe something that is no longer secret or hidden. 4. (Figurative) A clear understanding or realization. Often used in the phrase "see daylight" to mean understanding something or seeing a solution. 5. (Informal) A visible gap or space between objects.

Examples of Usage

• As natural light:
  • The room was filled with bright daylight.
  • It's hard to read the screen in direct daylight.
• As the period of daytime:
  • We traveled during the daylight hours to be safe.
  • The robbery happened in broad daylight.
• In a figurative sense (openness):
  • The scandal was finally brought into the daylight.
• In a figurative sense (understanding):
  • After hours of studying, I finally began to see daylight on the complex topic.
• As a visible gap:
  • There was just enough daylight between the wall and the cabinet to slip the paper through.

Advanced Usage

• "in broad daylight": Used to emphasize that something (often surprising or illegal) happened openly during the day, for everyone to see.
  • The theft occurred in broad daylight on a busy street.
• "to see daylight": To begin to understand something complex or to see the possibility of success after a difficult period.
  • After months of financial struggle, the company is finally starting to see daylight.
• "to let daylight into (something)": To make something public or to clarify a confusing situation.
  • The new report lets daylight into the government's decision-making process.

Variants and Related Words

• Daytime (n): The period of the day when there is natural light; synonymous with the second meaning of "daylight."
  • I prefer to work during the daytime.
• Daybreak (n) / Dawn (n): The first light of day; the beginning of daylight.
  • We set off at daybreak.

Synonyms

• Sunlight: Specifically the light coming directly from the sun.
• Daytime: The period of the day.
• Public eye: For the figurative sense of openness.

Related Phrases

• "scare the (living) daylights out of someone": To frighten someone very much.
  • That loud noise scared the daylights out of me.
• "beat/knock the (living) daylights out of someone": To hit someone very hard and repeatedly.
  • The villain threatened to beat the daylights out of him.

Noun

1. light during the daytime
2. the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
   • the dawn turned night into day
   • it is easier to make the repairs in the daytime